Hidden Falls July 9, 2017

Two independent spotter pilots estimated 100,000 chum at Hidden Falls on July 7 & July 8. Large schools were reported in Kasnyku Bay, Round Island, Waterfall to Pt Turbot, and in Takatz Bay. In order to get a better understanding of run timing and run strength cost recovery will be conducted outside of Kasnyku Bay on Monday or Tuesday. Samples will be taken to establish age structure, average weight, and sex ratio. Results will be used to determine the next step for management of Hidden Falls. Hidden Falls needs 200,000 fish for broodstock assuming no holding mortality.

Possible scenarios: 1) if the male ratio is 58% or higher we may be able to have a limited opening, 2) if the sex ratio is 50% male we will need to accumulate broodstock until we reach our goal before considering an opening.